6.
Needs the confidence of the Bundestag’s
majority
Appoints Cabinet Ministers
Defines how many ministries the Cabinet has
Cannot dismiss the legislature and call for
elections
Is susceptible to be removed by the Bundestag
(constructive no-confidence vote)
7.
Elected by the federal convention
Not just a ceremonial post
Appoints government and military officials
Signs treaties and laws
Nominates the Bundestag’s chancellor
8.
Multiparty system
Strong party identification
Dominated by CDU and SDU
Christian Democratic Union (Conservative)
Social Democratic Party of Germany (leftist)
Greens (1980s)
9.
A system of courts that interprets and applies
the law
Civil law is based on collection of statutes as
opposed to common law
11.
Hears criminal cases
Most legal disputes
State and Local Courts are administered at the
state-level
Federal Court of Justice is the national-level
ordinary court
All of these courts apply the same legal codes
12.
Hears cases in specialized areas
› Administrative complaints against
government agencies
› Tax matters
› Claims involving social programs
› Labor management disputes
These specialized courts exist on both the state
and federal level
13.
Reviews the constitutionality of legislation
Mediates disputes between levels of
government
Protects the constitution and democratic order
15.
Constitutional Court has the ability to review
constitutionality of legislation and void laws
that violate basic law
Issues can be brought by
› Direct citizen appeal (+90% in this manner)
› Government Request
